One of its main aims is to improve vehicle fuel economy, and it can achieve an 11% saving compared to the ZF 6-speed transmission and 14% versus modern 5-speed transmissions.[2][3] Due to changes in internal design, the shift times have reduced to 200 milliseconds; additionally, the unit brings the ability to shift in a non-sequential manner - going from 8th to 2nd in extreme situations.[4] In the 8HP70 version, it has a torque handling limit of 700 newton metres (516 lbf·ft), and weighs 90 kilograms (198 lb).[5]

Future development will see two four-wheel drive versions available, with a version destined for Volkswagen Group applications using a Torsen centre differential.[5] It will be able to encompass a torque range from 300 newton metres (221 lbf·ft) to 1,000 newton metres (738 lbf·ft), and will be available for use in middle-class cars through to large luxury sport utility vehicles.[5]

Chrysler Group LLC initially received the 8HP 8-speed automatic transmissions from the ZF Getriebe GmbH plant in Saarbrücken, Germany. By 2013, in parallel with Chrysler Group, ZF has set up a new transmission production plant in North America, where the 8-speed transmissions will be produced.[6] ZF Friedrichshafen and Chrysler Group have reached a supply and license agreement for ZF's 8HP 8-speed automatic transmission. Chrysler Group is licensed to produce the 8HP at the company’s Kokomo Transmission Plant and the Kokomo Casting plant, starting in 2013.